Rovers this week had a bid rejected for the 17-year-old centre back, according to reports by the Press Association.

Wheatley is well known to Rovers after playing under Gavin Strachan at Ilkeston prior to the Scot becoming Darren Ferguson’s number two - and he fits the bill of the type of player they are now looking to recruit.

The teenager’s rapid progress is thought to have alerted several clubs higher up the pyramid and he reportedly came close to joining Brighton in November before the deal collapsed.

When asked about Wheatley last week, Ferguson denied making a bid but appeared to indicate that the player is on his radar.

“We know of him, put it that way. But there’s nothing in it at the moment,” said Ferguson.

“I’ve made no secret of the fact we want to invest in younger players and develop them. There’s no disputing that.

“I would never speculate on certain names at other football clubs for obvious reasons.

“But you [the media] are not far off the mark though.”

Earlier in his press conference Ferguson was asked whether he would consider adding to his squad between now and the end of the season.

“There might always be the odd one that you try and get in,” he replied. “In particular if it was one where I felt we could then make it a long term thing for the following season.”

Wheatley is right-footed and has been playing on the right side of a central defensive three for Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit Ilkeston. He can also play in a midfield-holding role.